Newport News murder suspect discusses case in letter

NEWPORT NEWS — In a letter from jail, Xan Williams writes he has no regrets about his pending murder case, according to court documents.

Williams, 19, is charged with killing Tyrone Frink on June 28, 2012. Frink, 25, was found struck by multiple bullets on 33rd Street and Madison Avenue at 11:50 p.m. He died an hour later at the hospital.

Williams' letter was intercepted by staff at Hampton Roads Regional Jail and given to police Jan. 28, according to an affidavit for search warrant filed in Newport News Circuit Court. In the letter, Williams mentions his pending case and tries to recruit someone into his gang.

"But yeah [expletive] definitely looking {expletive] up for me with this whole case…Check this doe homie I don't regret [expletive], if I had to go back in time [expletive] will be the same. Because first and foremost ain't no [expletive] disrespect me…and walk away breathing, disrespect never tolerated!"

Frink and Williams had an argument over a woman, police said at the time of the homicide.

The person Williams invited into his gang had declined the request, saying he was already a part of a different gang, according to the affidavit.

Williams denied involvement in Frink's death during a jailhouse interview with the Daily Press in October.

"They're trying to make it out like I'm a stone-cold killer," Williams said. "I'm a good guy. I'd never commit a crime like that."

Williams said he was nowhere near 33rd Street and Madison Avenue at the time of the shooting. He said he didn't know Frink or who might have killed him.

"I feel like they're throwing them charges on me," Williams said.

He said he doesn't even own the gun.

"I feel like what's the point of using a gun if you have your hands," he said.

Williams denied being a gang member, but acknowledged he sometimes hung around the wrong crowd.

Williams is charged with murder, two counts of malicious wounding, carrying a concealed weapon (third offense), and three counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Williams was arrested by Hampton police July 1 during a traffic stop after they received an anonymous tip.

A jury trial was scheduled for Wednesday for Williams, but was continued. A new trial date has not been set. He is being held at Hampton Roads Regional Jail without bond.